During September and October I often drive the backroads of Minnesota looking for Mountain Ash, Crabapple and believe it or not … Buckthorn Trees. While these fruit trees may be devoid of birds in the Fall, I know these locations will “bare fruit” (sorry for the pun) both in the winter, and early Spring.
Today I found Pine Grosbeaks in a crabapple tree. A few days back it was Bohemian Waxwings gorging themselves on buckthorn berries. While the Minnesota DNR for understandable reasons despises buckthorns, fruit eating birds would beg to differ. Thus in the winter I check back at fruit trees, and in the Spring these same trees will attract birds with their blossoms (the blossoms of some fruit trees are edible, and the same blossoms attract bugs).
Both of these birds have been a somewhat difficult find this winter, which is why my Autumn pre-work is important.
Pine Grosbeaks
Bohemian Waxwings
Disappointed. You indicate some value to Buckthorn … predatory, invasive plants! Now, on the other hand, the Mountain Ash berries provided moments of intense experiences with nature involving drunken Cedar Waxwings plummeting to the ground after a couple rounds of fermented Ash berries. Growing up, we needed to place our fellow drunkards on a shelf away from dogs, cats and other predators to allow them a chance to sleep it off.
You’re right! More birds have had to be thrown in the hoosgow after a day of heavy Mountain Ash berry drinking, yet the buckthorn gets the bad press.
Thank you for this type of message from you with the photos automatically there without having to go to the website. Love your bird photos . . .